What’s the inspiration behind your wedding look? Did you have any hair and makeup pegs?
For my wedding day, I just wanted to go for a natural look. Nothing over the top since that’s not really my style. I simply wanted to look blooming, radiant, and blushing on my special day.
Who designed your wedding gown, and how did you come up with the style? How long did it take to create or find the perfect wedding dress?
My gown was designed and made by Zandra Lim. I showed her several pegs and described my vision for my dress to her when we first met, then she designed the dress around that. I wanted a simple dress with a sweetheart neckline but a grand skirt/train. I specifically told her that I didn’t want too much lace! I requested her to add a special detail over the left shoulder – something like cherry blossoms to mimic Ryan’s tattoo on that area. She made the gown even more unique by adding an asymmetrical detail by the hips.
Zandra was one of the first suppliers we booked, after the church and the reception venue. The design was laid out way ahead but I think it took about 6 months from my 1st fitting until the last one, which was about a week before the wedding.
How did you choose your hair and makeup artist?
Mela Jimenez was a family friend. I just checked her portfolio online and I was pretty satisfied with what I saw, so I guess it made the choice easier. It was easy to explain to her the look I was going for. I scheduled a hair and makeup trial with Mela for our prenup shoot and I loved it.
What were the preparations you did for your skin prior to the wedding day? Did you go to a skincare center regularly? What kind of services did you have done? Is this something you would recommend to other brides-to-be? I just drank lots of water, moisturized daily, and kept my skin clean. I don’t wear heavy makeup on a regular basis so my skin was easier to maintain. I think I just had a regular facial treatment and a massage a week before the wedding.
What lip color did you choose for the wedding day?
I don’t know the exact shade but it was on the pinkish/mauve side since I wanted a natural look – nothing too bold and dark for me.
What was in your wedding day makeup kit/pouch?
Just lipstick and blotting paper! I opted for airbrush makeup, which really lasted the whole day/night even until the after-party… Even through the tears during preps and the ceremony. It was definitely the best decision ever! It was more expensive but really worth it.
“Don’t take in all the work because the stress will definitely show on your face!”
What was the best beauty advice you received that helped you prepare for your wedding? The best beauty advice would have been to “not stress it out.” Things can get intense especially on the days leading to the wedding but you just have to relax and keep calm. Get enough rest and sleep. Ask for help from your maid of honor and bridesmaids. Don’t take in all the work because the stress will definitely show on your face!
“Just lessened my portions, especially rice. I did not starve myself though!!”
How about in terms of fitness? What did you do months before the wedding to stay in shape and make sure your wedding dress fit perfectly? Did you enroll in a gym or fitness center? What was your diet like?
I had Nestle Fitnesse for breakfast then ate light lunch and dinner. Just lessened my portions, especially rice. I did not starve myself though!! I didn’t go to the gym but what worked for me was this fitness game on Xbox called, “Get Fit with Mel B” (Yes, that’s Scary Spice. I loved the Spice Girls!). You can set the exercise type, intensity, and time so you don’t end up pushing yourself too hard at the beginning of the workout and end up giving up right away. I just did 20 minutes of that, mostly cardio, on weekdays. As a warm-up, I’d jog around our block for around 15 minutes, too.
Did you have your nails done? If so, where? Would you recommend this nail salon to others?
I opted for gel nail polish so it would last longer… and it did! My bridesmaids treated me to a mani-pedi session the day before the wedding, right before we checked in at the hotel. It was Gloss Nail Salon in Eastwood. We were happy with the service so I’d definitely recommend it.
What was your biggest takeaway from your wedding day? Do you have any beauty-related tips you’d like to share to upcoming brides?
Your wedding is truly a special day but in the end, it’s just a “day” so don’t get caught up in the preps too much. Don’t turn into a bridezilla! The stress is not worth it! What’s actually more exciting is what happens after the wedding, your marriage, your life together, where you get to spend each day and start building your dreams with the person you love. That’s the reason why you decided to get married anyway. That’s something to look forward to everyday, as you do each task on your bridal checklist. Take everything in stride! Life is beautiful.
The only tip I can give is for brides to take care of themselves especially while preparing for the wedding. Get your beauty sleep, eat healthy, exercise, take care of your skin, spend time with your family and friends, spend time with God, spend time with yourself, and most of all, enjoy the ride! The wedding is not the ultimate end, it’s actually the beginning of a wonderful journey, a life together with your man.
And invest in a good makeup artist and get her Airbrush bridal package. Totally worth it!!